'It's not whether, it's when.'

Dear John,

On Tuesday, we saw the culmination of months of campaigning in communities across Minnesota. We gave it our all to win safer, more equitable, and more accountable communities. I’m so grateful for everyone who’s put in the work to win a better Minnesota for all of us. The losses are hard–it’s incredibly painful when there’s so much at stake–and there is much to celebrate (read our full Minneapolis 2021 elections reflection on our blog).

In Minneapolis, over 60,000 residents agreed that it’s time to move from violent policing to holistic public safety. Three young, radical people of color were newly elected to represent their communities on the Minneapolis City Council and five of TakeAction’s endorsed candidates won their races. Kate Knuth and Sheila Nezhad galvanized thousands of voters in their campaigns to move from a status quo of fear and power-hoarding to policies based in abundance and care. 

While I’m disappointed that Jacob Frey was re-elected, and that we won’t create our new Department of Public Safety this year, I couldn’t be prouder of the work my community members have done to invest in the long term health and safety of our city - and I know that our movement will continue. 

As Maurice Mitchell reminds us, “the status quo days of police violence and a lack of community accountability are coming to an end. This shift in public opinion makes police reform and robust investments in expanding public safety inevitable. It’s no longer ‘whether’ but ‘when’.” That’s something to celebrate. 

I’m also celebrating because the power of grassroots organizing won in St. Paul and Minneapolis, as voters in both cities stood up to corporate landlords and made it clear that affordable housing is a human right. St. Paul passed one of the strongest rent stabilization measures in the nation, and our local officials in Minneapolis will now have the power to pass rent stabilization ordinances - something we will hold them accountable to delivering. 

As we celebrate our wins in the Twin Cities and congratulate Mike Mayou and Azrin Awal on their victories in Duluth, we’re also clear about the work ahead. Creating systems of public safety, investing in a just transition, and continuing our fight for housing justice will still take all of us. Join us for rest, celebration, and connection:

• Read our reflections on the 2021 Minneapolis Election.
   
• We’ll see you at the People’s Celebration on December 11. Early bird tickets are available through Friday, November 12. Grab yours today and bring your squad! 
   
• Come through for the People’s Happy Hour at Fair State Brewing in Minneapolis on November 18! $1 from each beer sale will fuel our state-wide organizing work. 

Take action and take care,

Jessie (she/her)
Communications Manager